Psalm 23: "Lord God, Divine Shepherd"


The fourth Sunday of Easter is known, in some circles, as “Good Shepherd” Sunday, since the scripture texts for this Sunday traditionally include Psalm 23 and John 10.  I thought it might be interesting to compile a variety of different paraphrases of the 23rd Psalm which might be useful in worship.

Here are two—one a straight paraphrase and the other a litany version of Psalm 23—written by Jeff Shrowder from The Billabong

(For more Psalm 23 paraphrases, click on Psalm 23 in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.)



LORD God, divine shepherd;
in the days ahead, just as it has been all my life, 
I shall not want for anything.
You will rest me in rich pasture 
and lead me beside calm waters.
You will bring my inner being back where it belongs,
and lead me along the right paths, 
for the sake of your name.
Even when things seem at their darkest,
sensing your presence, I fear nothing;
you are sure of the way ahead, and you protect me.
Indeed, in spite of the adversity surrounding me
you continue to provide abundantly for my well-being;
anointing me with your hospitality
and pouring out blessing upon blessing.
Surely good and lovingkindness will pursue me all my days,
I will return, and you, O LORD, 
shall be my dwelling-place for days without end.



LORD God, divine shepherd;
I shall not want for anything.
You will rest me in rich pasture 
and lead me beside calm waters.
You will bring back my life where it belongs,
and lead me along the right paths, 
for the sake of your name.
Even when things seem at their darkest,
sensing your presence, I will fear nothing;
you are sure of the way ahead,
and you will protect me.
In spite of the adversity surrounding me
you provide everything for my well-being;
anointing me with your hospitality
and pouring out blessing upon blessing.
Surely good and lovingkindness will pursue me all my days,
I will return, and you, O LORD, 
shall be my dwelling-place for days without end.

— © Jeff Shrowder, 2003.

For more paraphrases of Psalm 23,
click on Psalm 23 in the list of “Labels”
at the lower right side of the page.

For more worship resources for the fourth Sunday of Easter,
click on Easter 4 on the right side of the page.